LONDON, Jan. 06, 2009 — Today Boeing Defence UK Ltd., a subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], announced the establishment of a new operation to focus on Boeing’s rotorcraft support business in the United Kingdom. The new organization, Boeing UK Rotorcraft Support, is part of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems business unit.
Boeing’s UK portfolio of rotorcraft support activities includes the Chinook Through Life Customer Support program, which received the Chief of Defence Materiel Commendation award in November 2008, and the Apache Integrated Operational Support program.
Leading the new organization is Managing Director David Pitchforth. He is responsible for further developing Boeing’s rotorcraft support business in the United Kingdom while working directly with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), local industry partners and the company’s UK and U.S. rotorcraft teams.
“Creating this new operation underscores Boeing’s commitment to our customers, industry partners and employees in the UK,” said Peri Widener, executive for Boeing’s global rotorcraft support team. “David has the local knowledge, customer relationships and leadership qualities necessary to make Boeing an agile onshore partner to the Ministry of Defence and to work effectively with local industry.”
In December 2007, Boeing announced the formation of Boeing Defence UK Ltd. to consolidate Boeing’s defense activities in the United Kingdom and to meet the criteria set forth in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
“The consolidation of our UK rotorcraft support business is an essential step in Boeing’s strategy for long-term growth and presence here in the United Kingdom,” said Mike Kurth, managing director, Boeing Defence UK Ltd. “David’s experience with the customer and our industry partners will be an added benefit toward achieving our objectives of growth and partnerships.”
Pitchforth, a native of Yorkshire, was most recently with AgustaWestland Military Division as director of Business Transformation and senior vice president, UK Government Business Unit. A major part of Pitchforth’s focus was the transformation activity centered on the Rotary-Wing Strategic Partnering Arrangement between the MOD and the company. Prior to entering the defense industry, Pitchforth was most well known for his role as managing director and chairman of the Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team.
Pitchforth holds a degree in Design Engineering from Open University, a Higher National Certificate in Design Engineering and an Ordinary National Certificate in Mechanical & Production Engineering from Huddersfield Polytechnic, and a certificated apprenticeship from the Engineering Industry Training Board.
Source: Boeing
